Lead-induced chronic gout, unspecified wrist, without tophus

This code signifies a persistent inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated lead levels, specifically affecting an unspecified wrist joint. The condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe pain, swelling, and tenderness, but without the presence of urate crystal deposits (tophi) in or around the joint.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of chronic gout directly attributed to lead exposure, impacting the wrist, and explicitly states the absence of tophi. Supporting documentation should include a history of lead exposure, laboratory findings indicating elevated lead levels, and clinical notes detailing chronic gout symptoms localized to the wrist.

• Ensure documentation clearly links lead exposure to the chronic gout.
• Verify that the affected joint is the wrist and that tophi are explicitly noted as absent.
• Consider additional codes for the specific lead poisoning if not already documented and treated.